Ideas to Inspire Sustainable Summer Travel

The word “travel” makes us dream, be it a weekend getaway or an escape half a world away. You can make sustainable travel a part of that dream, even in this transportation and consumption-heavy industry. Sustainable travel is generally understood to mean traveling while making a positive impact in three areas; the environment, the local economy and the society or culture where you are visiting (sound familiar?).

You don’t have to go to a different time zone or be gone a long time to make a difference, either. Staying closer to home can be one way to reduce your environmental impact and can give you more time to be on vacation and less time sitting on a plane. Here are some additional ways to infuse sustainability into your travels:

Slow down and look at the scenery... get off the beaten path.

Travel by train instead of plane whenever possible.

Ride a bike instead of a scooter.

Sightsee by boat, or take a hike.

Take one longer trip instead of two shorter trips, especially if you are going far.

Visit someplace closer to home to reduce greenhouse gases from air travel. How about the Lake Tahoe Water Trail?

What are some of your tour company’s environmentally friendly practices?

Can you give me an example of how your trips help to protect and support wildlife or cultural heritage?

Do you employ local guides on your trips?

Look for eco-friendly lodging owned by locals. Here's one in Costa Rica (a country brimming with them!).

Traveling to a developing area like Mexico, Morocco or Mongolia? Check out Pack-For-A-Purpose for ideas on little extras to pack in your luggage to support local artists, orphanages and education.

Eat local food and eat less meat. Local restaurants and local markets are a great way to get connected to the area you are visiting.

Purchasing souvenirs from local artisans.

Visit protected areas. The fees you pay will help support local groups that protect them.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen.

Finally, we have to include a couple of “don’t”s (good to consider while home as well!):

Don’t buy wildlife products.

Don’t use plastic bags and bottles. (Coconut water in the shell anyone?)

Don’t treat anyone disrespectfully (ask before you take that photo).

Instilling even just a few of these suggestions into your summer travel will help decrease the impact on our planet and well-trafficked vacation destinations. Enjoy your travels, and rest easy knowing you have done your research and planned well, supporting local culture and economy and minimizing your environmental footprint. Bon Voyage!